Grease Drip Pan Support That Blocks Extra Grill Fuel Tanks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Gas-fired barbecue grills pose safety risks due to the storage of multiple liquefied propane gas tanks, which can lead to increased flammability and tipping hazards, as consumers often store replacement tanks alongside the primary tank, compromising the grill's stability and safety.
Innovation Solution
A tank blocking structure is integrated into the grill cart, which serves as a support for a grease drip pan, ensuring only one tank can be stored, thereby reducing flammability and weight, and forcing consumers to install it for proper grill operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If consumers store multiple fuel tanks on the grill assembly, then uninterrupted cooking is enabled through replacement tank availability, but the risk of fire and explosion increases due to LPG flammability
Solution Approach 1:
The cart interior is segmented into separate compartments by the tank blocking structure. One compartment accommodates the primary fuel tank with proper clearance from heat sources, while another compartment is created that physically prevents storage of additional tanks near the cooking chamber, thus enabling tank replacement capability while segregating hazardous materials
Solution Approach 2:
The tank blocking structure serves as an intermediary element between the primary fuel tank and the cooking chamber. It provides physical separation and spatial organization, allowing the grease drip pan to be positioned between the tank and heat sources, thereby mediating the interaction between fuel storage and cooking operations to reduce fire risk
2Productivity
If consumers store multiple fuel tanks on the grill assembly, then replacement tank availability is ensured, but the grill stability is compromised due to high center of gravity
Solution Approach 1:
The tank blocking structure divides the cart interior into distinct vertical zones. The lower compartment accommodates the primary tank at an optimized position for stability, while the upper compartment's geometry prevents placement of additional tanks that would raise the center of gravity, thus maintaining grill stability while supporting tank replacement operations
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a tank blocking structure is added to the grill cart, then fire and explosion risk is reduced through limited fuel storage, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tank blocking structure is merged with the grease drip pan assembly into a single integrated component. The blocking structure serves dual functions: it physically prevents storage of multiple tanks and provides structural support for the grease management system, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining safety benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The tank blocking structure is designed as a multi-functional element that simultaneously: (1) compartmentalizes the cart interior to limit tank storage to one, (2) supports the grease drip pan, and (3) maintains structural integrity of the cart assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby minimizing added complexity
4Reliability
If the tank blocking structure supports the grease drip pan, then the grease management system becomes functional, but the device complexity increases due to integrated component requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The tank blocking structure and grease drip pan are merged into a single integrated assembly where the blocking structure's horizontal portion serves as the support framework for the drip pan. This merging eliminates the need for separate support structures, reducing overall component count while ensuring reliable grease management functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated blocking structure-drip pan assembly performs multiple functions simultaneously: it blocks unauthorized tank storage, supports the grease drip pan, and provides structural reinforcement to the cart. This multi-functionality ensures grease management reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
The inventions disclosed herein relate to frame assemblies for gas barbecue grills which incorporate structures for preventing a consumer from storing replacement fuel tanks on the grill, in order to minimize fire and tipping hazards. Because it is known that many consumers never install or even remove prior art tank blockers, the tank blocker of the present invention is adapted to serve as a function of the grill (in addition to the function of blocking a tank) or to support a component of the grill. The preferred embodiment of the tank blocker described herein is adapted to support a component of the grease management system, namely the grease drip pan. Consequently, it is believed that consumers will be forced to install or will be prevented from removing the tank blocker, lest the grease management system become inoperable (or function improperly), causing grease to spill onto the cart.